Italy 2, Scotland 0, of course
Tartan Army indeed. Scotland continues to
underperform on the world stage, despite an opportunity kindly offered by Italy
in the opening minutes. Scotland must climb a mountain now to reach the World
Cup in Germany next year.
Scotland start out positively, they're not
sitting back and it is Italy instead who seem to be caught on their heels.
Scotland waste an opportunity on an 18th minute free kick. Italy occasionally
appear dangerous, but goalkeeper Douglas appears solid. Totti is the bright spot
for Italy early. Could it be that Scotland will eke out a tie or even threaten
an upset? Of course not.
Douglas bobbles a shot in the 27th, and Italy seems to have hit its stride, with lovely back-heels and flicks. The left side of the Scotland defense is showing cracks. An apparent Italy goal is disallowed, rightly, for offsides in the 32nd. Two minutes later, though, the mounting Italian pressure succeeds, although not in the way I expected.
The ref called a foul at the top of the arc outside the 20-yard box. It looked a bit harsh to me, but perhaps not. The wall-making seems confused and hurried, and Douglas sets up directly behind his barrier. Pirlo curls a lovely dipping ball over and away from the wall, and Douglas can do nothing, mis-positioned as he was. One-nil.
Then, inexplicably, Douglas is substituted. He doesn't appear injured, although news reports indicate a groin injury may be to blame. Nevertheless, Douglas makes way for Gordon, and the game continues. Scotland are playing mostly in their half now, a change from the opening minutes. Scotland finally get a shot on goal in the 43rd, but Buffon holds the ball. Totti misses a good chance in the waning minutes of the first half.
Players tempers are beginning to fray. One feels that the Italians know they are not playing their best, and Gattuso and Quashie in particular clash.
In the second half, Scotland threaten a bit more. Quashie forces a fine save from Buffon, and Miller misses a clear chance in the 53rd minute. In the stands, police battle stick-carrying Italian "fans," a ridiculous spectacle that contributes to the fear and dislike for soccer in the U.S. Mind you, I'm completely perplexed about how dozens of spectators have entered the stadium for such a high-profile game carrying three-foot batons.
Scotland adds a striker as time winds down, but to no great effect. In the 85th minute, Chiellini earns a free kick from a dangerous spot just outside the area. Pirlo's strike is perfect, over the wall and then curling past Gordon just inside the far post. There was nothing Gordon could have done. The goal effectively ends the game, and perhaps Scotland's chances for a World Cup berth next year. The Scots have just two points in qualifying, and sit fifth in their group of six. Italy, by contrast, take the lead in Group 5 and seem likely to advance. There'll be mourning in Glasgow tonight, although news reports praise the tough play until the second goal.
Douglas bobbles a shot in the 27th, and Italy seems to have hit its stride, with lovely back-heels and flicks. The left side of the Scotland defense is showing cracks. An apparent Italy goal is disallowed, rightly, for offsides in the 32nd. Two minutes later, though, the mounting Italian pressure succeeds, although not in the way I expected.
The ref called a foul at the top of the arc outside the 20-yard box. It looked a bit harsh to me, but perhaps not. The wall-making seems confused and hurried, and Douglas sets up directly behind his barrier. Pirlo curls a lovely dipping ball over and away from the wall, and Douglas can do nothing, mis-positioned as he was. One-nil.
Then, inexplicably, Douglas is substituted. He doesn't appear injured, although news reports indicate a groin injury may be to blame. Nevertheless, Douglas makes way for Gordon, and the game continues. Scotland are playing mostly in their half now, a change from the opening minutes. Scotland finally get a shot on goal in the 43rd, but Buffon holds the ball. Totti misses a good chance in the waning minutes of the first half.
Players tempers are beginning to fray. One feels that the Italians know they are not playing their best, and Gattuso and Quashie in particular clash.
In the second half, Scotland threaten a bit more. Quashie forces a fine save from Buffon, and Miller misses a clear chance in the 53rd minute. In the stands, police battle stick-carrying Italian "fans," a ridiculous spectacle that contributes to the fear and dislike for soccer in the U.S. Mind you, I'm completely perplexed about how dozens of spectators have entered the stadium for such a high-profile game carrying three-foot batons.
Scotland adds a striker as time winds down, but to no great effect. In the 85th minute, Chiellini earns a free kick from a dangerous spot just outside the area. Pirlo's strike is perfect, over the wall and then curling past Gordon just inside the far post. There was nothing Gordon could have done. The goal effectively ends the game, and perhaps Scotland's chances for a World Cup berth next year. The Scots have just two points in qualifying, and sit fifth in their group of six. Italy, by contrast, take the lead in Group 5 and seem likely to advance. There'll be mourning in Glasgow tonight, although news reports praise the tough play until the second goal.
Posted: Sun - March 27, 2005 at 12:30 AM
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Published On: Jun 13, 2006 12:00 AM
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Published On: Jun 13, 2006 12:00 AM